For Immediate Release
Accra 13th November, 2025

FOSDA Calls for Immediate Accountability Over the Deaths of Six Young Women During
the Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Exercise

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) expresses its deepest
condolences and profound outrage over the tragic deaths of six young women during the
2025/2026 Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
This deeply distressing incident is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the
organization, safety measures, and accountability surrounding the recruitment process. It
represents a grave failure in safeguarding the lives and dignity of citizens, particularly young
people seeking jobs and to serve their nation.

FOSDA condemns in the strongest terms the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The loss
of these promising young women underscores the urgent need for institutional
accountability, transparency, and comprehensive reforms to prevent a recurrence. No
recruitment process should ever expose participants to life-threatening conditions or
compromise their basic safety and wellbeing.

We therefore call on the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant
state agencies to immediately commission an independent and transparent investigation into
the events leading to these deaths. The findings of such an inquiry must be made public, and
any lapses in planning, crowd management, or medical preparedness must be addressed with
the seriousness they deserve.

FOSDA further urges the Government of Ghana to provide adequate psychosocial and
financial support to the affected families. Beyond this, clear protocols and safety standards
must be instituted and enforced in all future recruitment and public service exercises
involving large gatherings of citizens, especially youth.

As an organization dedicated to advancing human security, accountability, and sustainable
development in Africa, FOSDA reaffirms that the protection of human life must remain
paramount in all state and institutional activities. This tragic loss must serve as a wake-up call
for systemic reforms that prioritize people’s safety and dignity above bureaucratic
convenience.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and communities. FOSDA stands
in solidarity with them and with all Ghanaians demanding justice, accountability, and the
assurance that such preventable tragedies will never occur again.

SIGNED
Theodora Williams Anti
Executive Director

For Media Enquiries contact FOSDA
Tel: 0243202060
Email: info@fosda.org
Website: www.fosda.org